Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lin Clark, who has been recognized as Citizen of the Year 2008 by the Laughlin Town Advisory Board for her outstanding efforts as a citizen within the Laughlin community.

Lin moved to Laughlin, Nevada when the community was less than 20 years old, and has been a resident for the past 22 years. Since Lin has been a resident, she has taken an active role throughout the community. Lin is the coordinator for the Laughlin Town Fest event in which she dedicates countless hours in successfully organizing the event. She is committed to making sure that the event will be enjoyed by everyone throughout the community. Along with her husband, Bruce, the Clarks are a major part of the success of the bus system's first wine tasting and charity silent auction. The proceeds of this event benefits the senior citizens' transportation program.

In addition, Lin is active in Laughlin's Annual Silver Toy Box. She donates her time and efforts for less fortunate children throughout the Laughlin community by selecting toys and wrapping them, and paying for some of the toys out of her own pocket.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Lin Clark. Her efforts in helping assist the residents of Laughlin, Nevada are commendable. I congratulate her on this prestigious award and wish her continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my good friend Gary Spinkelink, who passed away February 24, 2008.

Mr. Spinkelink was born May 1, 1939, in Orange City, Iowa, and had been a resident of the Boulder City community for over 43 years. He graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and moved to Nevada with his wife Judy of over 47 years, to pursue a career in civil engineering. He retired in 2003 from Pentacore Engineering after being a partner in the firm for 11 years where he was the director of all administrative processes. Gary also had administrative control of all personnel within the corporation. He served for many years as a panel member on the Congressional Academy Selection Committee. Some of Gary's hobbies included off-road quad driving, snowmobiling, and fishing at his Utah cabin. He also spent a majority of his time with his six grandchildren attending their many various functions and sporting events.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend Gary Spinkelink. His work and dedication to the Boulder City community was commendable and enriched countless lives. Mr. Spinkelink was a great force throughout the community and will be profoundly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor my friend, D.L. ``Dusty'' Dickens, for her years of dedicated service to the Clark County School District.

Dusty, who is originally from Santa Monica, California, attended Stevens-Henager College in Salt Lake City, Utah and later received an AMA certificate in Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dusty was also licensed as a realtor in the State of Nevada in 1978 after attending the Education Dynamics Institute of Real Estate.

Over the past three decades, Dusty has served the Southern Nevada community, spending much of her time in the Facilities Division as the Director of the Demographics, Zoning and Realty Department. During her tenure in the Facilities Division, Dusty was responsible for a number of sizable land acquisition programs and was instrumental in recommending site locations for 200 schools. Dusty was also the co- author of the ``Open Schools/Open Doors and Educational Access Agreements'' which allows governmental entities and the state university system reciprocal use of public/school facilities. She also had a prominent role in the development of the school siting methodology for data driven decisions to site new schools.

Given the exponential growth in Clark County in recent years, Dusty has been instrumental in ensuring that our educational services have kept pace with demand. In addition to her distinguished performance in the Demographics, Zoning and Realty Department, Dusty has served as facilitator for the school district's Investment in Excellence Program and as liaison for the School Name Committee. She has also had the opportunity to represent the school district on committees for the City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas, City of Henderson, and Clark County for land use and master plan developments.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to D.L. ``Dusty'' Dickens. Her service to Clark County has been instrumental and is to be commended. I would like to congratulate Dusty and her family including her husband, Lester and their four children on this honor by the school district. I applaud Dusty for her leadership and congratulate her on this much deserved recognition of having a school named in her honor.

Madam Speaker, I was absent from the House on Thursday, February 7, 2008, attending a funeral in Las Vegas. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following way:

On rollcall vote #42, H.R. 5140, the Economic Stimulus bill. ``yea.''

On rollcall vote #41. H. Res. 947, Congratulating Lee Myung-Bak on his election, ``yea.''

On rollcall vote #40, H.R. 4137 the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, ``yea.''

On rollcall vote #39, H.R. 4137 On Motion to Recommit, ``yea.''

On rollcall vote #38, H.R. 4137 On Mr. Davis of Illinois Amendment, ``nay.''

On rollcall vote #37, H.R. 4137 On Mr. Petri of Wisconsin Amendment #5, ``yea.''

On rollcall vote #36, H.R. 4137 On Mr. Petri of Wisconsin Amendment #4, ``yea.''

On rollcall vote #35, H.R. 4848 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended P To extend for one year parity in the application of certain limits to mental health benefits, and for other purposes, ``yea.''

On rollcall vote #34, H. Con. Res. 283 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended P Calling for a peaceful resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya, ``yea.''

On rollcall vote #33, H. Res. 956 On Agreeing to the Resolution P Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4137) to amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes, ``nay.''

On rollcall vote #32. H. Res. 956 On Ordering the Previous Question P Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4137) to amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes, ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my dear friend, Joan Tuntland, who passed away on June 18, 2007, with the same strength, poise, and grace which defined her life.

Joan was born in 1937 in Stockton, California, and moved as a young child to Reno, Nevada, with her family. There she grew up attending Veteran's Memorial Elementary School and subsequently graduated from Reno High School in 1956. The friendships Joan forged during her time at Reno High School proved to be lifelong, culminating in her 50-year high school reunion last summer.

Joan worked various jobs and eventually met her husband, Larry, while they were both employed at the First National Bank of Nevada. Larry would later become president, thanks in part to the support offered by Joan. Joan and Larry were married in February of 1963, and soon welcomed two sons, Daniel and Ray, into their young family. Joan and her young family moved to Las Vegas in 1983, where Joan immediately became active in the community. These contacts forged friendships which she would hold dearly the rest of her life.

While in Las Vegas, Joan became active with Bishop Gorman High School, mirroring her involvement at Bishop Manogue High School in Reno. Her continuous support of Bishop Gorman High School was formally acknowledged as she and Larry were bestowed the honor of being inducted into the Royal Order of the Gael in March of 1992. In 1996, shortly before her husband's retirement they relocated back to Reno, Nevada.

Joan was blessed throughout her life with many amazing friendships; however, family remained her primary purpose and true love in her life. Her love, leadership, and spirituality made her the rock and foundation of her family.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend Mrs. Joan Tuntland. Her dedication and love for her family and community should serve as an example to us all. I applaud all her efforts and accomplishments and I send my sympathies, as she will be missed by many.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Cedric A. Kerns, who is being honored as a Bench Trailblazer by the Bicolanos of Nevada and Filipino American California Expatriates Society of Las Vegas.

Judge Kerns first became active in the Las Vegas community while attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas. During his undergraduate years he was a member of UNLV's nationally ranked debate team. After receiving his juris doctor from the University of San Diego, Judge Kerns became partner and co-founder of the law office of Kerns and Lybarger, where he focused on criminal defense and domestic law. During his time in private practice, Judge Kerns was appointed as a member of the Nevada Supreme Court's Task Force for the ``Study of Economic Bias'' in the justice system.

The experience gained while Judge Kerns was in private practice helped him to succeed in being elected to the Las Vegas Municipal Court, Department 5, in 1997. During his 10 years as a judge in Las Vegas, Judge Kerns has greatly enriched the community, as is evident in his being awarded the 2006 Outstanding Judge of the Year Award by the Nevada Judges Association. One of the projects that Judge Kerns began and has maintained is the Habitual Offender Prevention and Education (HOPE) Court. Through his hard work he has helped habitual offenders to get sober and off the streets. Judge Kerns also spends time as the Las Vegas Municipal Court liaison for Domestic Violence Offenders; he serves as a member of the Judicial Council of the State of Nevada, an administrative arm of the Supreme Court, as well as being a member of the Court Funding Commission of the Supreme Court.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Judge Cedric A. Kerns. Throughout his years as a lawyer and judge, he has committed himself to helping others and the community. I congratulate him on being recognized as a Bench Trailblazer, and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend, Judge Cheryl B. Moss, who is being honored as a Bench Trailblazer by the Bicolanos of Nevada and Filipino American California Expatriates Society of Las Vegas.

Judge Moss was admitted to the Nevada State Bar in 1997 and by 1999, while still in private practice, was awarded the Shining Star Award from the Clark County Pro Bono Project for her representation of low- income clients. This was just the beginning of the accomplishments she has had in her years in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2000, Judge Moss was elected to the District Court, Family Division. As a Judge, she has had the opportunity to work on issues of importance to her. One such issue is gambling addiction, and she has been intimately involved with the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling. Her passion to assist those with gambling addiction drove her to begin the pilot program on gambling assessments for parents involved with child custody cases. Judge Moss is also a member of many professional associations, including: The Nevada District Judges Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Civil Order Enforcement Task Committee.

In addition to her professional successes, Judge Moss has greatly enriched the community. She is actively involved in promoting education programs and volunteers her expertise as a judge in moot court and mock trial competitions at the high school and collegiate levels. Judge Moss also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Clark County Library.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Judge Cheryl B. Moss. She has served on the bench with honor and distinction and enriched the lives of countless people in the community through her activism and volunteer efforts. I congratulate her on this much deserved honor and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend Irene Porter, Executive Director of the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, for her 30 years of dedicated service to a prominent Nevadan trade organization that represents home building industry in Nevada.

For the past three decades, Irene has been committed to overseeing the SNHBA's programs and efforts. Most notably, Irene has lobbied on behalf of the association and home building industry at the Nevada State Legislature. She was recognized by the Legislature in 1991 as the ``Lobbyist of the Year'' and was later inducted into the Nevada Lobbyist Hall of Fame in 1997. She has also built and maintained invaluable relationships with Federal, State, and local governments. In her post, she has managed two successful programs: The Housing Quality Trade Contractor Certification Program and the Southern Nevada Green Building Partnership programs. In a period of exponential growth, Irene has been steadfast in leading the industry and sustaining the stability and viability of the housing markets in Southern Nevada.

During her distinguished career as the Executive Director, Irene has championed numerous worthy causes. She has advocated for fair housing accommodation for persons with disabilities, which provide a valuable community service and contributes to the economic viability of the region. Irene has also been a leader on important community issues such as public schools and infrastructure building; and environmental issues such as dust control, and water and energy efficiency and conservation. Through her tireless service to her association and her community, she has been awarded with four National Association Excellence awards from the National Association of Home Builders and a Civic Hero Award from the Clark County School District.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my good friend Irene Porter. Her commitment to the community and professional successes are truly admirable and should serve as an example to us all. I am extremely fortunate to have been able to call Irene a friend for many years and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Honorable Judge Robert J. Johnston of Nevada for his 20 years of honorable service as a United States Magistrate Judge.

Judge Johnston received his formal education from the University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law. Upon graduation in 1977, he worked as a clerk for Judge Merlyn H. Hoyt for the Seventh Judicial District in Ely, Nevada. Mr. Johnston stayed and served White Pine County from 1979-1982 as the District Attorney while also maintaining a private practice.

Judge Johnston has been and remains an active member of the community while participating in a variety of professional and social organizations. He served on the Ninth Circuit Conference Committee, and participated in organizing three circuit conferences. Additionally, he served on the 9th Circuit Magistrate Judge Executive Board. Presently, Judge Johnston sits on the Court Administration and Case Management Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States Courts. He is also a member of the board for the Nevada Judicial Historical Society and the Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society. Passionate about the preservation of the history of Nevada, Judge Johnston was named the District of Nevada's court historian and has actively begun taking oral histories of his colleagues which will be transcribed and submitted to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Historical Society. Judge Johnston hopes that the personal interviews he has conducted will provide a more insightful understanding of these distinguished and honorable men and women.

Judge Johnston is a staple in the community and remains active in various local organizations. He is on the Board of Directors of the Las Vegas Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and holds a leadership position within his church congregation. In his spare time, Judge Johnson enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the Honorable Judge Robert J. Johnston. His commitment and dedication to Nevada and his Nation should be applauded by all. I wish to congratulate him on 20 years as a United States Magistrate Judge and thank him for his service.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and memory of my friend Dayna Lynn Ahern, whose passion for life was an inspiration.

Dayna was a native of Las Vegas who was a student of fashion merchandising at the Fashion Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to enrolling in the Fashion Institute, Danya had earned an Associates Degree from the prestigious Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas.

Among Danya's many passions was traveling and music. These dual talents provided her with a number of unique opportunities, such as performing for the Pope at the Vatican and traveling with her high school choir to perform at various locals in Europe. Danya was also an active member of her Church, and had a strong sense of spirituality. -

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend Danya. On March 30, 2006, Danya passed away but her enthusisiam and passion for life will serve as an inspiration for all who knew her. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy as a caring and motivated individual will live on.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Chesto for his support of America's fallen heroes.

Mr. Chesto has a long history of serving his community in Las Vegas, Nevada. He moved from Biloxi, Mississippi in 1955 and began the 4th grade at C.P. Squires Elementary School in Las Vegas. He then attended Tom Williams Elementary, J.D. Smith Middle School, and Rancho High School. After graduating from Rancho High School, Robert enrolled in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas majoring in Music. In 1970, after graduating from UNLV, Robert was drafted into the United States Army where he served on active duty in the Nevada Army National Guard until 1990. In 1976 he began teaching in the Clark County School District.

After retiring from the Army National Guard as a Captain, Robert went back to UNLV to pursue a degree in Education. In 2000, Robert began as Principal at his own high school, Rancho. As the Principal of Rancho High School, Robert is dedicated to honoring those who have served their country in the Armed Services. Rancho High School has become an ``All American High School'' with over 250 American flags decorating the school. Mr. Chesto has also dedicated himself to remembering Rancho's history by incorporating a ``Wall of Honor'' for the 23 Rancho graduates who were killed in action during the Vietnam War.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Robert Chesto. He has not only served his country in times of war, but also committed himself to the education of our youth. His continuing dedication to his country and to the remembrance of those who have fallen serves as an example to us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Robert P. Ellis and his dedication to the Southern Nevada community.

Robert ``Bobby'' Ellis is the President and CEO of B&E Auto Auction, an independently-owned salvage company. It was recently announced that B&E will sell their assets to a national company, a decision that should enhance their ability to serve customers' needs in Nevada.

Bobby also founded the Coalition of Independent Salvage Pools of America in 2000, a partnership of independently owned salvage companies who make it their mission to provide reliable service, competitive pricing that benefits insurance companies, and commitment to their individual local communities and state.

Bobby proved his devotion to education by establishing the Robert and Sandy Ellis Scholarship Fund for students at Nevada State College in 2004. Robert and his wife believed that this scholarship endowment would not only help students obtain a college education, but would help the future economic growth and development of Southern Nevada. In addition to his generous donations to educational institutions, Robert has truly embraced the spirit of philanthropy and has greatly contributed to his surrounding community.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my good friend Bobby P. Ellis. His steadfast loyalty to the state of Nevada is an example to us all, and I wish him continued success with all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jelindo Angelo ``J.A.'' Tiberti, who died on Wednesday May 3, 2006.

J.A. was a pillar of the Las Vegas construction industry, patriarch of Tiberti construction and a civic leader. J.A. came to Las Vegas from California in 1941 with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build the runway at what is now Nellis Air Force Base. He formed Waale, Camplan and Tiberti Construction Co. in 1947 and developed Bonanza Village on Bonanza Road before venturing out on his own in 1950. Among his many prominent works in Las Vegas are the Las Vegas Club, Palace Station, Sunset Station, Club Bingo and the Gold Coast. He built schools, hospitals, and public buildings. Not only was he a great craftsman, he was also a benevolent member of society. J.A.'s charitable contributions include a million dollar donation to help create the UNLV College of Engineering in 1979, and he provided the funds to build Camp Potosi for the Boy Scouts Boulder Dam Area Council. He was also appointed to the Las Vegas City Planning Commission in 1953 and served six consecutive four-year terms. J.A. received a number of professional awards as well, such as the Southern Nevada Engineer of the Year award in 1972, and the state's Most Distinguished Nevadan in 1987.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Jelindo Angelo ``J.A.'' Tiberti. His professional success and philanthropic nature should serve as an example to us all. He will surely be missed by the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Randy Black, Sr., who is the recipient of the 2007 Lieder Award. The Lieder Award is given annually to a person or organization that demonstrates outstanding leadership in the southern Nevada real estate industry by the Lied Institute for Real Estate Studies at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Randy has had a lasting impact on southern Nevada that began when he enrolled in Clark County Community College in an effort to become a realtor. Throughout his career he has had a multi-faceted experience, working as a title examiner for First American Title/Stewart Title, a commercial real estate salesman with Robert Realty Investment and Development, and a commercial real estate broker with Consolidated Realty and Management. Since 1977, he has served as the chairman of the board, owner, and broker with Diversified Realty. He has also been a partner with many different businesses in southern Nevada including Beano's Casino Restaurant and Lounge and Shuck's Seafood Restaurant and Lounges. In addition, he has been a managing partner with Virgin River Hotel and Casino, Casablanca Hotel Resort and Casino, and Oasis Resort Casino in Mesquite, Nevada. Randy also owns many development projects in southern Nevada.

Along with all of his work in the real estate industry, Randy has also dedicated his time to various boards and commissions. He has been active with the City of Las Vegas Citizens Advisory Board and the Nellis Air Force Base Support Team. He has utilized his expertise in real estate to contribute his time to the Southern Nevada Homebuilders Association and the Las Vegas Board of Realtors Political Action Committee.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Randy Black, Sr. His constant commitment to the advancement of the real estate community in southern Nevada is honorable, and I wish him congratulations as the 2007 Lieder Award recipient.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Paula Francis who has served Las Vegas as a Senior Television Anchor for over 25 years.

Ms. Paula Francis graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and in 1985 moved to Las Vegas as the evening news anchor at KTNV-TV. In 1990 she joined KLAS-TV as the evening news anchor alongside friend and colleague Gary Waddell.

In addition to her professional career, Ms. Francis has continually given back to the community. She serves on the board of the Shade Tree Shelter for Homeless Women and Children, the Community Advisory Board for the Assistance League, and the Southern Nevada Chapter of International Women's Forum. She also contributes her time by reading to students during Nevada Reading Week. She also speaks to individuals and organizations about health issues including her campaign to educate women about breast cancer awareness called ``Buddy Check 8''.

Ms. Francis has received numerous awards for her time spent in Southern Nevada. She

was chosen as ``Best TV Anchor in Las Vegas'' by the readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal six different times, and along with Gary Waddell, received the Best Anchor Team Award in the Women in Communications Electronic Media Awards. She also was inducted into the KLAS-TV Hall of Fame in July 2000.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Paula Francis. Her contributions to KLAS-TV and to Southern Nevada are admirable. I applaud her commitment to Southern Nevada and I thank her for her time and support to our community.